Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 20:59, 5 October 2009

The Misplaced Pages philosophy can be summed up thusly: "Experts are scum." For some reason people who spend 40 years learning everything they can about, say, the Peloponnesian War -- and indeed, advancing the body of human knowledge -- get all pissy when their contributions are edited away by Randy in Boise who heard somewhere that sword-wielding skeletons were involved. And they get downright irate when asked politely to engage in discourse with Randy until the sword-skeleton theory can be incorporated into the article without passing judgment.

—Lore Sjöberg, from "The Misplaced Pages FAQK"

This, the funniest thing I have seen on wikipedia, was stolen from DreamGuy

File:Animalibrí.gif

Please note there is now a designated area for complaining about me here (I do check it from time to time). This talk page is now only for important and interesting matters. Giano (talk) 11:36, 20 January 2009 (UTC)

Old messages are at:

• User talk:Giano II/archive 1 (From Oct 2004)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 2 (From Jan 2005)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 3 (From July 2005)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 4 (From Jan 2006)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 5 (From July 2006)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 6 (From Jan 2007)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 7 (From July 2007)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 8 (From Jan 2008)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 9 (From July 2008)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 10 (From Jan 2009)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 11 (From July 2009)

Essays and thoughts:

• A few thoughts on writing Featured Articles
• A few thoughts on Misplaced Pages (unfinished)
• One of the reasons I seldom make proper edits these days.

Please leave new messages below

September 2009

This block is explained, and submitted for community review, at WP:ANI#Giano. If you would like to make a statement in that discussion, please ask another editor to copy it to WP:ANI using the {{helpme}} tag.  Sandstein  10:34, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

• I don't see how calling someone a fool is appropriate, but there should definitely be a Fahrenheit 451 barnstar for Sandstein's approach to dispute resolution. Block first, ask questions later, with no effort to avoid all the ensuing disruption and drama. He also gives no consideration to resolving this type of situation in an amicable and reasonable fashion as common sense might dictate.
  And of course Sandstein has been in numerous disputes with Giano in the past so there is no possible way he can be construed as being uninvolved. This is a very bad block. ChildofMidnight (talk) 16:27, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

• Giano's comment was inappropriate and ill-judged. As was Sandstein's one-week block. They've both been acting like fools, but only one of the fools get punished. --Malleus Fatuorum 18:17, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

• This block is not appropriate. Sandstein had disputes with Giano multiple times. AdjustShift (talk) 19:27, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

Unblocked, see my comment at AN/I for details. Please be more cautious of the tone in your future comments. --SB_Johnny |  16:24, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Thank you SB Johnny, I shall indeed attempt to be more prudent in my opinions in future when discussing Sandstein. I hope he has noticed he has less support on ANI when discussing matter not Eastern European - and no I do not control my owm mailing list, I may have more success if I did. Would someon like to sort the autoblock thingy? Giano (talk) 16:38, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Hey Giano, cool. Welcome back. Please in future sit on your hands and keep it clean whatever the circumstances, you are more than intelligent enough to say it without rudeness. Regards. Off2riorob (talk) 16:43, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Oh, sorry. Should be cleared now. --SB_Johnny |  16:44, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Thank you very much. It works proven by a quality edit . Giano (talk) 16:51, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Speaking of quality edits, your quality of writing is such that you must realise that calling actions foolish is one thing, calling someone an uneducated fool is rude and implausible. My strong recommendation is that you refactor your foolish remark to clarify your concerns instead of just insulting the person concerned. Thanks, dave souza, talk 19:11, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Dave has a good idea there. --SB_Johnny |  19:18, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Yes, I might have done if originaly asked. However, after the "Sandstein incident" and that editor's subsequent posts to ANI, I think it best to leave well alone. If I want drama, I can get it in far more entertaining form at La Scala. We can even have a few bouncing bodies there, far more fun. Besides which, Misplaced Pages is about to see the most drama it has seen for years, all without any help from me.Giano (talk) 19:27, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Still not really defensible. Are you willing to remove your bait now, or if not, any problems with me redacting the naughty bits? . . dave souza, talk 19:29, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Oh if it bothers you so, change it to what you like, it was only ever a sprat! Howver, that does not mean to say I didn't think it ;-) Giano (talk) 19:50, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Done! Thoughts can be more usefully expressed in explaining the relevance of behaviour to the topic of the discussion – assuming good faith in that you wished to express a view regarding the FAR. Will say no more about any metamotives. . dave souza, talk 20:04, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

So I saw, indeed they can, and I'll say no more either, other than I have changed your edit already to something more precise and true. Giano (talk) 20:09, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

A blunt instrument, but adequate. . dave souza, talk 20:11, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Quite - a good fisheman knows his bait and its prey. Had I been "rude", I would have been blocked by the wrong Admin! Giano (talk) 20:32, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Sandstein

I shall not be requesting an unblock from Sandstein because he had no right to block in the first place. Regarding the Eastern European mailing list, there is a very large bundle of emails concerned directly with supporting various of Sandstein's views and actions on ANI and elsewhere. This came to pass, and not only duped and manipulated him and many others, but also, it seems, served to boost his esteem and self-confidence. Why Sandstein's actions were so in tune with that mailing list is a matter for the Arbcom, and I won't speculate upon it here. However, while the case is in progress these facts should be noted when evaluating his actions in furure. In fact, it may be wise as an involved Admin, if he laid down his tools for the duration of the case. As I said here whatever actions are taken against me, nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to detract me from seing fair play for all the many who suffered as a result of that mailing list's actions. Now, I shall return to my holiday and wiki-break and keep half an eye on the case. Giano (talk) 22:16, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

Sandstein blocked you for a pretty dumb comment you made at an FAR. Why did you hand him the ammunition? --Malleus Fatuorum 22:21, 21 September 2009 (UTC)

• Ammunition is a very good word indeed, I wanted to show Misplaced Pages who was bothered enough to stalk my edits, pick up the gun and then shoot themself with it. Incidentally, regarding that edit, the nomination of a perfectly good page was foolish, so it was an apt place to drop the gun. If anyone doubts the huge conflict between Sandstein and me, they can just check my recent edits, you won't have to search very far back. The man is obsessed with his own power, blocking people and deleting; he reminds me of someone in history, but I can't think who - can any of you? However, Misplaced Pages never bothers to learn from history - so don't bother trying to figure it out. My recent edits also show a gradual retreat from Misplaced Pages, I now no longer write pages, soon, I expect, I shall no doubt stop commenting on wiki-politics too, so you will all be stewing in your own sewage, with an Arbcom constantly retreating from the truth (as they have been doing for a year over this latest list) and other secret lists controling all pages on anything more interesting than a computer game character. Now that is very sad. Giano (talk) 08:33, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

• I did think it was a particularly unnecessary block for an unnecessary comment. The block obviously served to punish you, as it was placed a full 12 hours after you made the comment. Best not make personal comments when you know people like Sandstein are going to be following you around. Unless of course you don't mind being blocked. Majorly talk 13:24, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

• The block is acceptable on principle, as editors are expected to discuss content disputes respectfully and with an eye on the content dispute itself, and not with an intent to personally disparage the person they are talking about. "This article is still feature quality because of A, B and C" is acceptable. "Shut up and go away" is not acceptable. However, the duration is excessive for the offense. Thatcher 14:58, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

• So how will Sandstein be punished for his error? --Malleus Fatuorum 00:21, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Public flogging/Misplaced Pages:Administrator review/Sandstein? I must say the judicial processes on Misplaced Pages are rather barbaric. And there's still no sign of any leniency for Giano or other victims of overzealous enforcements. Are these latest developments some kind of ritual performance art or a pursuit of public humiliation that derives from a secret affinity to S&M? It all seems especially perverted to me when a simple act of contrition and a promise to do better would suffice. ChildofMidnight (talk) 01:05, 23 September 2009 (UTC)

Wowsers, from an editor being blocked for civility breach -to- the blocking Administrator being reviewed. This is great entertainment ya'll. GoodDay (talk) 13:47, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Too bad to see that at Misplaced Pages a review of a deeply-involved administrator's possibly vengeful "shut up!" actions are so extraordinary as to provoke a wowsers! from any passer-by.--Wetman (talk) 15:19, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Thank you Wetman, as always you have hit the ball firmly and squarely in the correct direction. Giano (talk) 18:54, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

It's all entertaining though. GoodDay (talk) 19:27, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

As the Russian NSFW anecdote says, "Why you're leaving so early... said the frog after the steamroller rolled over her... " NVO (talk) 21:01, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

I suspect that anecdote may have lost something in translation. Giano (talk) 21:10, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

The whole story is not as entertaining as it seems, but appears amusing from some vantage points. The RFC so far is a solid "consensus" approving S. (fine print below the poll does not count). Worse, it should not be run during arb case anyway. But it runs, the public is delighted. NVO (talk) 21:30, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Well, were you expecting something other? Take my advice, always expect the worst and you will sledom be dissapointed. Giano (talk) 21:39, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Welcome back

My post concerning you was a reply to another's, and was not intended to get you blocked or have any other action against you. I rather resent that it was placed at the top of a section by itself. It was more meaning to say that you weren't as clever as usual, I meant to be wry, not accusatory. Hope you understand.--Wehwalt (talk) 10:26, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

• Ah, but I was! So you got it wrong on both counts. Giano (talk) 14:43, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

• Fortunately, I am wrong twice a day. So I am infallable until 12:01 a.m. Excuse me, I'm off to the horse track.--Wehwalt (talk) 22:34, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Hey, no hard feelings Giano, I'll respect your request to leave ya alone (-my last post here). GoodDay (talk) 22:53, 25 September 2009 (UTC)

Arbitrary socks

Hi Giano,

I happened across an old thread discussing the time when Lady C ran for ArbCom, and all the complaints/blockings because "alternate accounts should not be in ArbCom". I was just wondering, what were your thoughts on the Sam Blacketer débâcle a few months back? Apologies if you already opined on the subject, I didn't see it if so. --Some no-name NPC (talk) 13:37, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

• I am afraid that is a period of my life that is still too painful to discuss. Following the huge and overwhelming support I recieved in that election, I was wantonly and most cruelly murdered by David Gerard, a person of whom I have no knowledge and one must assume moves in an entirely different social milieu to oneself. Rather like the doings of the present British and Italian Governments (excluding poor Signor Berlusconi, who always atwinkles when we meet) the doings of the Misplaced Pages Government are wide open to question, worrying speculation and the most deepest and gravest suspicion, beyond that I am sure they are all perfectly nice people. They threw the chance to have me as their leader back in my face, just think where the project would be now with me at the helm guiding the ship into a calm,sophisticated harbour. As it is we seem to be cruising along with all the speed and foresight of the Titanic, while the leadership and Adminship attempt to turn us into the Mary Celeste. Where will it end one wonders? Lady Catherine de Burgh (the Late) (talk) 14:46, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

Little Stupid : Look! Throwing turnips back in her face, too! Epic win! Bishonen | talk 21:26, 1 October 2009 (UTC).

Aha! Little Mr Russavia down here, I was so sorry about the revolution; you have my sympathy, I was such a close friend of the poor dear Tsar, not so fond of her (very difficult woman), all such a great shame. Lady Catherine de Burgh (the Late) (talk) 14:46, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

Spring cleaning

M'lud, now that the palace has had some spring cleaning, will her ladyship be thinking of giving it the honours it deserves?

• Oh, I don't know. I have rather lost interest in FAs of late; once made FAs they seem to attract a funny audience with too many rules and regulation to comply with, or to be precise too many people who want to comply with rules and regulations that are not even cast in stone. I'll think about it, anyway I still have one last page in the series to complete. Giano (talk) 15:04, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

Since posting, I have just learned of the small difficulties you are having at the moment. A great pity. I see all the regulars are conflicting each other with their opinions, so I'll keep mine to myself. stick around though, I like to see familiar faces about. Giano (talk) 15:19, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

Meh, I was nearly going to use the corny line they always use in politics "I',m stepping down to spend more time with my family." and all that....Casliber (talk · contribs) 20:44, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

I would prefer the one nastily attributed to Cecil Parkinson when he resigned over some extra-marital affair, "I'm stepping down to spend more time starting up some new families...", but I sense Casliber has more ethics than some politician - if not incapable of making poor judgements, regretably. LessHeard vanU (talk) 21:13, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

I really wouldn't worry too much Cas. In half an hour or so, the whole socking caboodle will all be loved up again, back slapping and commending each other while hunting as a pack and screeching with united horror and indignation because I have called some idiot or other a fool. Funny old world isn't it? Giano (talk) 21:39, 1 October 2009 (UTC)

Anyway, back to articles, I am sure Sandy and others would be very happy to see Winter Palace pass. Iwill double check to see if the mind-numbing minutiae have been attended to and alert you anon. Casliber (talk · contribs) 02:57, 2 October 2009 (UTC)

If you are hinting that you want a project, probably be good for you to have something to do, then nominate it and you can nurse it through (I have never personally never counted nominated FAs, everyone who matters know what I write - so I have no problem). However, don't be surprised if I get cross, when some idiot wants a beautiful image reduced to the size of a postage stamp, or great chunks of text removed because they can't be bothered or don't have the ability to read to the end - remember it is a very long page - and it's last FA atempt was very short, far from sweet and having spent almost a year of my life writing it, the comment "I have not read this, but..." remains very much with me and has rather soured my opinion of the place! Giano (talk) 07:16, 2 October 2009 (UTC)

Sorry for interfering again... this article should not be a FAC, not even close. Inadequate sourcing. Imagine an article on a Roman topic based solely on Gibbon and Mommsen (and, perhaps, a few tourist guides). It seems that the last thirty years of research and tons of secondary academic sources (including books published in English at Cambridge and Harvard) just passed by unnoticed. History of the 19th century is more or less stable, but the 18th is still a black box that gives out its secrets piecemeal ... I might be biased, being interested only in design, construction and evolution of the brick shell and completely indifferent to the tales of their majesties... NVO (talk) 18:28, 5 October 2009 (UTC)

Your point? Whatever it is, I am not getting into an arguement about it. If Casliber wants to FAC it - he can, if he doesn't he doesn't. Personally, I think in the present climate anything Eastern European is perhaps best left a stub!Giano (talk) 18:32, 5 October 2009 (UTC)

spam

I know that you've been interested in these issues in the past. Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Administrator — Ched :  ?  04:40, 5 October 2009 (UTC)

User talk:Mattisse

This is a formal warning regarding your recent conduct. You and all others were specifically asked to cease and desist in your explicit violation of a directly given request of the above user to not, and you explicitly violated that reque3st. Frankly, Giano, if you actully want anyone else to step trolling, then maybe the first thing you should do is to stop being a troll yourself, particularly given your own extenswive history in that regard. And I would request you not attempt to carry this conversation on at my talk page as well. Thank you. John Carter (talk) 20:59, 5 October 2009 (UTC)